Testing times in Pom softball

By HENRY MORABANG
IN-form Gazelle will test United Sisters in the sudden-death play-off when they meet in the Port Moresby A grade women softball competition tomorrow at Bisini Diamond Oval.
In the qualifying match, minor premier Stringerz will play Bears to determine who will book the first grand final spot.
With the inclusion of Mechtild Raymond back from Milne Bay, her presence lifted the performances of the Gazelle women.
Jenny Pilak and Mathilda Pondriket were doing their best for the team until Raymond came in to assist.
Navasha Pilak at pitching mound will be the lady to watch.
With the assistance of her mother, Jenny on the first base, they form a deadly combination to ensure their opponents don’t advance further.
The Pilaks will be assisted by Raymond at short stop, Talitha Pondriket, Robertha Kaul, Regina Jerry, Shirley Kami and Nicole Kami in the infield and outfield department to ensure Sisters don’t score runs.
Sisters on the other hand may have taken some tips from coach Dick Bart Jr.
Sideline coaching tips from Ralph Tarasomo and Briton Zale should help the team.
However, the supporters would love to see Bart control the match from the bench.
Sisters pitcher combination of Natalie Bart and Siloru Zale will be put to the test yet again by Gazelle batters.
Zale who led Kavieng women in the last year’s championships in Goroka knows what to expect from their opponent and will be guiding Natalie from the home-plate.
United Sisters boosted good batters in Kersie Komek, Priscilla Moke, Natalie, Siloru Zalae and Georgina Mautu to see them through the fifth inning match.
They will receive support from Matu Sue Tarasomo, Caroline Moeder, Niatang Pokanau and Clair Wutt to see them survive another elimination final.
The main match should be an interesting tussle.
Stingerz and Bears will be fielding their strongest side to see who will wait for the final.
Bears will want to make it a double after their men’s team dethroned PNG Power last year to become the new champion.